By Isaac Eranga
Akoko-Edo, Nigeria – BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI) has commended the Edo judiciary over the conviction of a 55-year-old man, Frederick Agbozuadu who deceitfully lured and severally violated an 8-year-old girl at Egbigere community in Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State, Nigeria.
This commendation was contained in a press statement signed by the organization’s Executive Director, Ms Priscilla Usiobaifo.
According to the statement released on Sunday, “the verdict was given on 9th February 2023 by Nosa Musoe – Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) of the Magistrate Court, Igarra, Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State.
“After been found guilty on a single count charge of defilement as applicable in the Criminal Code Law of Edo State, Frederick was sentenced to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.
“This is a well-deserved victory for the girl-child in Akoko-Edo LGA especially considering the intrigues of this particular case. The incident was investigated by the Edo State Police Command during the onset of COVID and the prosecution timeline was significantly elongated as a result of the COVID crisis.
“The child’s parents became distressed by the prosecutorial logistics but remained resolute in their quest for justice. The court verdict is a succinct message of the Zero-Tolerance stance by the current government of Edo State against sexual violations of children. It is hoped that this judgement checkmates the impunity of sexual predators and child molesters in Edo State, Nigeria.
“BHI began intervention in the case on December 10, 2019, facilitated case transfer to SCIID on December 13, 2019 and also facilitated Case Arraignment on December 19th 2019.
“State vs Frederick Agbozuadu Case with Charge No MIG/32c/2019 was prosecuted by Inspector Obeze Samuel of the Igarra Police Division. A total of thirty (30) court sittings were held at the Magistrate Court, Igarra – one sitting (1) in year 2019; six (6) in year 2020; twelve (12) in year 2021; nine (9) in year 2022; and two (2) in year 2023.
“With funding support from OSIWA-OSF, the BraveHeart Initiative’s team provided comprehensive services including paralegal aid (Investigation, Prosecution, Court appearances), psychological support (Counselling, Follow up visits), medicals (Investigations, Examinations, Preventive Services and Treatment).
“BHI also rendered economic assistance to the survivor and her family as well as COVID – Relief fund. We acknowledge the sacrificial and resilient efforts of the caseworkers assigned to this case.
“The team led by the Executive Director – Ms Priscilla Usiobaifo are the unsung heroes of SGBV intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The designated caseworkers had to provide essential services to SGBV survivors and family whist navigating the uncertainties and health risks associated with the COVID pandemic.
“Profound gratitude to the Open Society Foundation (OSIWA-OSF) who provided the funds that BHI expended for investigation and prosecution and the MacArthur Foundation for funds expended on case completion and judgement day activities.
Special acknowledgement of Dayo Olaide for his huge technical assistance and moral support all through the case duration especially during the mentally draining era of COVID”.
BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women (BHI) is a youth-led, feminist non-governmental organization promoting young people’s sexual reproductive health and advancing women’s rights in Nigeria.
BHI is one of Nigeria’s leading non-profits dedicated to responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and advocating for SGBV reforms. As of February 2023, BHI has facilitated court conviction of Twenty-Eight (28) Sex Offenders in Twenty-Five (25) sexual assault cases.
